A day with
a street nurse:
beyond care

My name is Cloé and I have been a nurse for 6 years. From the beginning of my career, I was attracted to social work, which automatically brought me to work for the homeless. For two years now I have been part of the non-profit organization Street Nurses, dedicated to accompanying this vulnerable group of people. 

A typical day

My day begins at 9 am with a briefing meeting with my colleagues. For half an hour, we discuss the highlights of the previous day and plan visits in the morning. Once our equipment is ready – backpack filled with care supplies and wipes – we head into the "field".

I always work in pairs, accompanied by another nurse or social assistant. Together, we meet homeless people, whether they are already being followed or new people crossed during inspection rounds. Our goal is simple: build trust, assess their needs, and help them get off the street.

 

A job that goes beyond care

Being a street nurse is not just about providing care. It’s also about observing, listening, and building a human relationship. The street is a merciless environment, where physical and psychological frailties are exacerbated. My task is to make an overall assessment of the person, without judgment or prejudice. This can happen in a short but substantial conversation or simply by being quietly and respectfully present. It is essential to try and bond with people. Unlike patients who ask for advice in a hospital on their own, the people we approach need to be convinced of the importance of their health. A balancing act: tactfully approaching the problem without offending or creating a distance.

Make a gift

A job of trust: what does it entail?

Being a street nurse is a job that requires humility. Every day consists of improvised contacts, one-off interventions and questioning ourselves. We have to accept that we cannot solve everything, but every small step counts. In addition to medical care, my task is also human: listening, comforting, sometimes just being present. This experience has taught me to look beyond the surface, to be happy with progress, even very small ones, and to persist despite all difficulties.
 

Being a street nurse is about reinventing medical practice in a difficult environment, and especially to recognize the dignity of each person and to ensure human company where it seems to be lacking. This work is demanding but reminds me every day of the importance of listening, empathy, and solidarity..